I have a number of writers I work with regularly. I write an outline for a book. The outlines are very specific about what each scene is supposed to accomplish.

I make extensive outlines before I write a book. I usually know what will happen. I know the characters, and I know what they are about.

I write the best book that I can write each time.

Don't write outlines; I hate outlines.

Today, I'm very careful not to mention very specific locations when I write or give captions.

Being goal-oriented instead of self-oriented is crucial. I know so many people who want to be writers. But let me tell you, they really don't want to be writers. They want to have been writers. They wish they had a book in print. They don't want to go through the work of getting the damn book out. There is a huge difference.